Extending Love to the Children of Africa

In 2014, God opened up a dream in my heart to do ministry in Rwanda, Africa.

In 2016, I stepped foot on Rwandan soil for the first time with only the conviction that it was where I was supposed to be and that God would reveal the details of that calling to me.

Three days into a planned 8 weeks in Rwanda, I was approached with an opportunity to partner with the Vineyard Church of Rwanda to lay the groundwork for a new ministry aimed at getting children with no means to afford school, into school. When presented with this opportunity, my heart jumped.

Nearly a year before, I felt a strong feeling I was supposed to pursue starting a non-profit that partnered children in Africa with individuals in the States to develop opportunities for those children to be empowered, loved, invested in, and given the chance to pursue the dreams God called them to. At that time, in 2015, I began exploring that vision only to label it impossible and let it go. I saw no possible way for that dream to become reality so I pushed it from my mind. Only to be approached with an open door to pursue the development of that ministry alongside the Vineyard movement in Rwanda, a movement I have been involved in for nearly 10 years.

That proposal would lead to the development of Bana Munsange Ministries. This ministry is focused on coming alongside children of about 3 years old, living in abject poverty, to holistically invest in their future. A child's living environment, relationships and access to education and medical care have massive effects on who they will become. Our vision is to be able to strip away some of those negative things, which tamper with their ability to become healthy, functioning adults, rooted in Jesus Christ.

Right now, we aim to impact the lives of children at the earliest age of eligibility for school in Rwanda. Between the ages of 0-3, a child's brain is most rapidly growing and developing. In those ages the negative and positive experiences that child endures has the power to make or break their future. For this reason, we want to get them into school, partnering with individuals in their community, as well as around the world, who are going to love and empower them and nurture their relationship with Jesus.

Bana Munsange Ministries began in August of 2016, and today 11 children are in school who previously had little to no hope of gaining an education. Each child is matched with an advocate in the States who prays for them, loves them, and financially assists in that child's education and medical needs.

For more information on Bana Munsange Ministries you can visit banamunsange.org

Since September of 2016, I have been working part time on spreading the word of Bana Munsange Ministries in the United States and diving into a world that has been completely foreign to me. There is still much we must iron out and systems to develop to have Bana Munsange Ministries grow and those things are best done face to face. For that reason I cannot wait to return to Rwanda in July of 2017.

Not only will I be returning to Rwanda, but also Uganda and Tanzania, two other countries that hold pieces of my heart. I will get the opportunity to do ministry alongside my mom, and her team, for a few days with the Vineyard Church in Kampala, Uganda. Also, to deepen my relationship with Mathew, who will be 12 by then. Mathew captured my heart back in 2014 and has since gained more and more of my heart. It is through him that I have learned the power of investing in a child, even from afar. He has taught me how supporting a child to attend school can change their future! He has fueled my desire to develop Bana Munsange Ministries.

I will also be spending a few weeks in Tanzania where there is a family that has also captured my heart.

After a few weeks traveling, I will settle down for about 7 weeks in Rwanda. At that time I will dive into ironing out the logistics of Bana Munsange Ministries, setting up systems, and dreaming about the future alongside Antoine and team. My hope is to get to visit with each of the children who we currently have matched with advocates, as well as future matched children. I will continue to learn the culture, as well as the local language.

I am thrilled to see just what comes of this next journey to East Africa. God surprised me in immense ways on the last trip. I expect a pretty significant joy ride with my Papa this time around as well.

If you feel led to financially support this journey you can do so here.

The finances I raise will be used to purchase airfare, food, housing, in-country transportation, gifts (which is a cultural custom), travel insurances/medicines, and to hire a local tutor..

You can also follow my journey via my blog:

karibudreamers.net

Or Instagram page here.